Richard Whitehead launched a stinging attacking on the International Paralympic Committee after winning bronze in the T42 100m at the World Para Athletics Championships last night, accusing the organisation of “playing with careers” and “isolating individuals” by excluding double-leg amputees from the event at Tokyo 2020.

The veteran British sprinter said the IPC’s long-stated aim to separate single and double-amputee sprint classes will create unnecessary barriers for Para athletes, leaving him unable to aim for anything other than defending his T42 200m title at the next Paralympic Games, and claimed his Australian rival Scott Reardon has campaigned against his inclusion away from the public eye.